Yup. I’m running a Ragnar. The girl who’s not too big on group runs (I’m all about the lone runs or running with one other person) is going to pack herself into a van with 11 other runners to run 200 miles as a group.
Allison has put together a what I believe to be an all star team because hello, we have Lisa who will bake us the most delicious treats. I will run the 200 miles myself if it means unlimited access to Lisa’s treats.
Anyways, for those who do not know what a Ragnar Relay is, it is a group of up to 12 runners banding together to run 200 miles relay style. It takes place over two days and one night (I’m not sure who’s drawing the short night run straw yet!), one runner at a time, 3 runs per runner. We’re running the Canadian one down at Niagara Falls!
I’m quite excited because signing up for Regnar gives me a goal to work towards in 2017 as my running currently isn’t quite motivated. So how am I going to prepare? Well, I’m going to sleep as much as possible currently in uncomfortable positions so I can sleep in the van with a bunch of runners who may or may not be hyped up on caffeine. #passtheearbuds. But for realsies, I’m not currently following a training plan and I’m not sure which legs I’m running yet (it can range from 18K to 30K total) but ideally, I’d like to be able to physically do 25K in one go. Since we are not going for speed, this means I don’t have to worry about doing speed work this season. I’m not 100% sure how I’m going to train for this though but I’ll figure it out as I go along. My current weekly mileage is between 15-20K a week as I haven’t focused on distance right now so I’ll be increasing my mileage (hopefully) by 10% every other week. Or you know, have my teammates drag my cold limp body across the finish line. Wish me luck.
[Tweet “I’m running a @RagnarRelay! Give me ALL the tips!”]
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Oh how fun! That’s the one thing I haven’t done, run Ragnar! Niagra Falls sounds awesome!
Coco says
I absolutely loved my Ragnar experience. While I have a bunch of tips on my blog, I think my main ones are (1) go all in with the experience (2) trust the process and (3) have fun.
Sarah says
Sounds like so much fun. I wonder if my husband has ever considered Rangar, I’ll have to run it by him. Maybe add it to my list as I increase my running but it didn’t really make my priority list this year after my mind and body fell in love with barre recently. Although I still plan to run with the hubby and family I don’t have any big races on the calendar for the year, but that could change.
Kimberly Hatting says
I want to do a Ragnar sometime! I’ve done a similar relay with some co-workers, where we ran a total of 76 miles over the course of 11 or so hours (so none of the overnight stuff). I’d recommend doing some double runs periodically (running in the morning,and then again in the afternoon or evening) so your body (and mind) can acclimate to multiple workouts. Have fun!!!
Kara @ Byte Sized Nutriton says
How exciting! I’ve heard great things from people who have completed a Ragnar.. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience!
Rachel @ Better LIVIN says
That sounds like a lot of fun!
crystal says
Happy New Year! I wish you all the running success in 2017!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Ragnar races are so much fun you will love it!!
Margo Donohue says
AMAZING! I am a solo person as well so I am interested in how your experience turns out. good for you!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
That’s excited about doing Ragnar! It’s on my list some day to do!
Abbey sharp says
I have not run this before but it sounds awesome!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i have never done relay race before..sounds fun!
Jill Conyers says
I’m so jealous! I’ve wanted to run a Ragnar forever but every opportunity I’ve had the timing conflicts with family and/or work.
Jenn says
YAY!
I am currently writing my Ragnar Trail race report. It’s a little different because it’s 8 people and we camp rather than 12 people riding in vans, but it was truly the experience of a lifetime. You are going to love it!
Kerri McGrail says
Lol I love the endorphfriends! I have never run a ragnar, but if I had i think I would say to make sure to pack enough food and changes of clothes!
Chrissy says
Wow! Sounds like a fun event. I’m sure you’ll make a ton of awesome memories and have a bunch of fun stories. Good luck to you!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I hope you have a blast! I know several people who have had some incredible Ragnar experiences. Hopefully the same is true for you.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
Ragnar is seriously going to be SO MUCH FUN.
Christina Bauer says
I know quite a few people who enjoy these, but it’s just not for me. Have fun!!
Michelle Rogers says
That is really interesting and sounds like a great challenge! Curious — about how long do you run at a stretch during that event?
Karen G. says
I have ran a Ragnar Trail, which is way more my style. (Two days in a van scares me a bit). ;) But it was a blast! Also the first relay I’ve done.
I’m sure your Ragnar will be fantastic! Especially if you have a great group! Can’t wait to read how it goes!
Mary Beth Jackson says
I am jealous! You will have a blast I am sure! Good luck with the adventure!
Kevin Lundy says
I too was a solo runner. Ran my first Ragnar 2 years ago and I’m hooked. I’ve done 6 since. I’m also running Ragnar Niagara. Tips:
1) I hope you meant 2 vans of 6 people each, not 1 van of all 12. Just say no.
2) Sleep is over rated
3) pack your running gear in big ziplocks. When you finish a leg, put your sweaty clothes in the ziplock. Insist everyone in your van do the same. It will smell bad enough without stinky clothes.
4) Get ShowerPills to get somewhat clean after your legs.
5) Comfortable non- running shoes for when you aren’t running.
6) Do some training runs at a time of day that you don’t normally run. Also do a couple of runs within 12 hours.
7) Embrace it, have fun, and you will be hooked.
I have plenty more :)